Method and system for remotely configuring mobile telemetry devices

ABSTRACT

An approach is provided for configuring telemetry devices over a wireless network is disclosed. A client (e.g., web browser application) communicates with a fleet and asset management system to obtain information about a plurality of objects (vehicle or asset). In response to the user input, the client transmits the user input to the fleet and asset management, wherein the fleet and asset management generates a configuration message based on the user input for transmission over the wireless network to the one telemetry device for configuring an input/output (I/O) port of the telemetry device. The I/O port is coupled to a corresponding one of the objects. The telemetry device sets parameters relating to the I/O port according to the configuration message.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to data communications, and moreparticularly, to tracking mobile telemetry devices for fleet and assetmanagement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern wireless networks, such as paging systems, can readily beconfigured to offer a variety of telemetry services, notably fleet andasset management. The management of vehicles within a fleet as well asassets involves obtaining information, generally in real-time, about thelocation and movement of these objects. The fleet manager utilizes thisinformation to maximize use of fleet resources. With the advent of theGlobal Positioning System (GPS) supported by a constellation ofsatellites, a vehicle may determine its location with great accuracy andconvenience if no obstruction exists between the GPS receiver within thevehicle and the satellites. Additionally, the infrastructure investmentby service providers to implement a fleet and asset management system issignificant. Consequently, such service providers are continuallyseeking new and enhanced services to derive maximal benefit (e.g.,profits) from this large investment. Therefore, these service providersseek to offer an efficient, cost-effective fleet and asset managementservice with robust capability by effectively integrating GPS technologywith wireless networks as to minimize bandwidth in the exchange oftelemetry data.

FIG. 11 shows a diagram of a conventional wireless network in anautonomous GPS environment. As shown, a wireless network 1101communicates with vehicles 1103 to track the location of these vehicles1103 within the coverage area of the wireless network 1101. Each of thevehicles 1103 employ a GPS device 1105 that communicates with aconstellation of satellites 1107. These satellites 1107 transmit verylow power interference and jamming resistant signals received by the GPSreceivers 1105. At any point on Earth, a GPS device 1105 is able toreceive signals from multiple satellites (e.g., 6 to 11).

Specifically, a GPS device 1105 may determine three-dimensionalgeolocation from signals obtained from at least four satellites.Measurements from satellite tracking and monitoring stations locatedaround the world are incorporated into orbital models for each satelliteto compute precise orbital or clock data. GPS signals are transmittedover two spread spectrum microwave carrier signals that are shared byall of the GPS satellites 1107. The device 1105 must be able to identifythe signals from at least four satellites 1107, decode the ephemeris andclock data, determine the pseudo range for each satellite 1107, andcompute the position of the receiving antenna. The time required toacquire a position depends on several factors including the number ofreceiving channels, processing power of the receiving device, andstrength of the satellite signals.

The above arrangement, as an autonomous GPS environment, has a number ofdrawbacks that can hinder its effectiveness as a fleet managementsystem. Because the GPS device 1105 must obtain all of the ephemerisdata from the satellite signals, weak signals can be problematic. Abuilding location or a location in any area that does not have clearview of the satellite constellation 1107 can prevent the GPS device 1105from determining its geolocation. Also, cold start acquisition mayconsume a few seconds to as much as a few minutes, which is asignificant delay for the device's ability to log positional informationand evaluate its position against pre-configured alert conditions.

The vehicles 1103 then need to transmit the location information to thewireless network 1101. These transmissions can consume large amounts ofbandwidth of the wireless network 1101 if the location information iscontinually transmitted without attention to the polling scheme and theunderlying transmission protocol used to transport such data.

Therefore, there is a need for a fleet and asset management system thateffectively integrates GPS technology to ensure timely acquisition oflocation information. There is also a need to efficiently utilizeprecious resources of the wireless network in support of fleet and assetmanagement services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other needs are addressed by the present invention, in whichan approach for configuring telemetry devices over a wireless network(e.g., paging system) is provided. The telemetry device includes aprogrammable input/output (I/O) port, which can be either digital oranalog, that interfaces with an object (vehicle or asset). A fleet andasset management system transmits a configuration message over thewireless network to one of the telemetry devices for configuring the I/Oport of the telemetry device. The telemetry device sets parameters(e.g., pin settings, electrical values, etc.) relating to the I/O portaccording to the configuration message. The fleet and asset managementsystem can also issue a control message to the telemetry device tocontrol operation of the telemetry device based on the state of the I/Oport. Further, the fleet and asset management system can supplyAssisted-Global Positioning System (A-GPS) data to the telemetry device,which itself is capable of autonomously obtaining GPS data from GPSsatellites. The above arrangement advantageously provides flexibilityand increased functionality for tracking telemetry devices in support offleet and asset management.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method forconfiguring telemetry devices over a wireless network is disclosed. Themethod includes storing transmitting a configuration message over thewireless network to one of the telemetry devices for configuring aninput/output (I/O) port of the one telemetry device, wherein the I/Oport couples to an object, and the one telemetry device sets parametersrelating to the I/O port according to the configuration message. Themethod also includes receiving data corresponding to the I/O port of theone telemetry device for managing a plurality of objects correspondingto the telemetry devices.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a fleet and assetmanagement system for configuring telemetry devices over a wirelessnetwork is disclosed. The system includes a presentation serverconfigured to generate a configuration message for transmission over thewireless network to one of the telemetry devices for configuring aninput/output (I/O) port of the one telemetry device, wherein the I/Oport couples to an object, and the one telemetry device sets parametersrelating to the I/O port according to the configuration message.Additionally, the system includes a messaging server configured totransmit the configuration message and to receive data corresponding tothe I/O port of the one telemetry device for managing a plurality ofobjects corresponding to the telemetry devices.

According to another aspect of the present invention, acomputer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of one or moreinstructions for configuring telemetry devices over a wireless networkis disclosed. The one or more sequences of one or more instructionsincluding instructions which, when executed by one or more processors,cause the one or more processors to perform the step of transmitting aconfiguration message over the wireless network to one of the telemetrydevices for configuring an input/output (I/O) port of the one telemetrydevice, wherein the I/O port couples to an object, and the one telemetrydevice sets parameters relating to the I/O port according to theconfiguration message. Another step includes receiving datacorresponding to the I/O port of the one telemetry device for managing aplurality of objects corresponding to the telemetry devices.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method forconfiguring telemetry devices over a wireless network is disclosed. Themethod includes communicating with a fleet and asset management systemto obtain information about a plurality of objects. The method alsoincludes receiving a user input relating to configuration of one of aplurality of telemetry devices corresponding to the plurality ofobjects. Further method includes, in response to the user input,transmitting the user input to the fleet and asset management, whereinthe fleet and asset management generates a configuration message basedon the user input for transmission over the wireless network to the onetelemetry device for configuring an input/output (I/O) port of the onetelemetry device, the I/O port being coupled to a corresponding one ofthe objects, and the one telemetry device setting parameters relating tothe I/O port according to the configuration message.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a clientdevice for configuring telemetry devices over a wireless network isdisclosed. The device includes means for communicating with a fleet andasset management system to obtain information about a plurality ofobjects; means for receiving a user input relating to configuration ofone of a plurality of telemetry devices corresponding to the pluralityof objects; and means for transmitting the user input to the fleet andasset management, in response to the user input. The fleet and assetmanagement generates a configuration message based on the user input fortransmission over the wireless network to the one telemetry device forconfiguring an input/output (I/O) port of the one telemetry device, theI/O port being coupled to a corresponding one of the objects, and theone telemetry device setting parameters relating to the I/O portaccording to the configuration message.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present inventionare readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply byillustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations,including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the presentinvention. The present invention is also capable of other and differentembodiments, and its several details can be modified in various obviousrespects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the drawing and description are to be regardedas illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fleet and asset tracking system, according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a telemetry device used in the system of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a Network Operations Center (NOC) in the systemof FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the formats of protocol messages used in thesystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the format of a Wireless Protocol (WP) messageused in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the format of a batched Wireless Protocol (WP)message used in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the telemetry device of FIG. 2 deployed within avehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 a shows a sequence diagram of a process for configuring andcontrolling the telemetry device of the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8 b and 8 c are diagrams of the formats of a digital Input/Output(I/O) configuration message and a digital I/O control message,respectively, used in the process of FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a telemetry device configuration screen of agraphical user interface (GUI) of a client for communication with thefleet and asset management system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a computer system that can be used to implementan embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a conventional wireless network in an autonomousGPS environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A system, method, and software for configuring a telemetry device insupport of fleet and asset management are described. In the followingdescription, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific detailsare set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of thepresent invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the artthat the present invention may be practiced without these specificdetails or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a fleet and asset tracking system, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100, in contrastto the system of FIG. 11, utilizes a combination of autonomous GPS andAssisted GPS (A-GPS); in particular, mobile-centric A-GPS. The system100 includes a Network Operation Center (NOC) 101 for tracking telemetrydevices 103, which, under this scenario, are resident within vehicles105. It is contemplated that the telemetry device 103 can be affixed toan asset (or any other object). A wireless network 107 supports two-waycommunication among the telemetry devices 103 and the NOC 101; thewireless network 107, in an exemplary embodiment, is a two-way pagingsystem employing the ReFLEX™ protocol by Motorola for two-way advancedmessaging. The telemetry devices 103 have two modes of operation:autonomous GPS mode, and A-GPS mode. When operating in A-GPS mode, thesystem 100 can provide for better in building or obstructed viewgeolocation with in a paging system zone. When out of network coverage,the autonomous GPS may be used to obtain geolocation data that may bestored on the device for later transmission.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wirelessnetwork 107 provides over the air encrypted messages.

The NOC 101 provides the necessary fleet and asset management functions,such as user account creation and management, access control, anddeployment of business rules; these functions are more fully describedbelow with respect to FIG. 3. The NOC 101 also supports remotemanagement capabilities by hosts 109 over a data network 111, such asthe global Internet.

To better understand the hybrid A-GPS environment of the system 100, itis instructive to describe the operation of the general operation of amobile-centric A-GPS system. The telemetry device 103 has GPS hardwareand intelligence, whereby the network 107 in conjunction with the NOC101 employs mechanisms for providing GPS aiding data (or assistancedata). The network 107 includes base transmitters and some basereceivers containing GPS hardware from which the ephemeris andapproximate location can be obtained, constituting a GPS referencenetwork 113.

The assistance data that is transmitted to the devices 103, in anexemplary embodiment, can include ephemeris data differential GPScorrect data, timing data and/or other aiding data. Using the aiding (orassistance) data, the telemetry devices 103 perform geolocationcalculations, yielding a number of advantages. For example, thetelemetry devices 103 can generate real-time speed and route adherencealerts. Additionally, transmission of geolocation data need not befrequent. Transmission of geolocation data is more compact because it istrue location rather than pseudo range data. Also, the telemetry devices103 themselves can determine when the ephemeris data is no longer valid.

The hybrid A-GPS system 100 thus permits fast and precise geolocationwhen in network coverage of the network 101, while providing immunityfrom obstructed view of the sky. Also, when the switch is made toautonomous GPS mode (when outside of the coverage area of the network101), the devices 103 can still obtain geolocation data. This data canbe stored within the device 103 and transmitted to the NOC 101 when theassociated vehicle 105 returns to the network coverage area.

As noted earlier, the telemetry devices 103 may be attached to a hostentity such as a vehicle or other valuable asset. The device may be usedto track, monitor, and control aspects of the host entity. These devices103 are configurable with respect to the existence and number of digitalinputs/outputs (I/O), analog inputs/outputs (I/O), and device portinterfaces for connection with peripheral devices. By way of examples,the digital inputs can be used to monitor various components of thevehicles 105: ignition status, door lock status, generic switch status,headlight status, and seat occupancy status. The digital outputs can beused to control, for example, the starter, and door locks, and tomonitor such parameters as engine temperature, cargo temperature, oilpressure, fuel level, ambient temperature, and battery voltage. Theexact configuration of the telemetry devices 103 can be based on costconsideration and/or applications.

The telemetry devices 103, in an exemplary embodiment, employ a wirelessprotocol to receive commands and transmit data and alerts (e.g., highspeed alert) over the radio network 107. The telemetry devices 103 canqueue alerts, message responses, and scheduled data, whereby if thedevices 103 are unable to send the messages, the messages are queued andsent when the device 103 returns to wireless network coverage.Prioritized queues are used and include, for example, queues for high,normal, and low priority messages. In the exemplary implementation,critical device status changes are given highest priority, while otheralerts and responses are given normal priority. Scheduled data messagesare given the lowest priority. The queues are configured, as first inyields first out, wherein new messages are dropped when itscorresponding queue is full. This arrangement advantageously allows forthe status of the device 103 at the time of transmission failure to beknown even when the data stored in the data log at time of thetransmission has been overwritten.

The telemetry devices 103 can also respond to status (e.g., of position,speed, digital I/O port status, analog input channel status, peripheralstatus or other device status) queries transmitted by the NOC 101. Thestatus query may request either current status or status within a timeand date range. The device 103 responds to the query with either thecurrent status or all status within the date and time range that iscurrently stored in the device's data log.

As regards data logging, the devices 103 support use of one or moreschedules for the data acquisition. The data logging involves storing ofthe data locally on the device 103. This data, which can includeposition, speed, digital I/O port status, analog input channel status,peripheral status or other device status is not automaticallytransmitted over the air. Instead, the data is stored for a finiteperiod of time and made available for use by scheduled dataacquisitions, data acquisitions on demand, and data acquisitionsassociated with alerts. The data log is circular in that when the lastavailable memory for the data logger has been written, the data loggerbegins recording new data at the first location of memory available forthe data logger.

With scheduled acquisitions of the data collected by the data logger,the data within the data log is transmitted by the device 103 accordingto a configurable schedule at the configured transmission rate. Multipleschedules may be configured on the device 103. Schedules are configuredto obtain data at a regular interval based upon calendar time and date.Schedules may be configured such that they are enabled and disabledbased upon status of a digital input. For example, an ignition statusinput may be used to turn a schedule on when the engine is on and turnthe schedule off when the engine is off. A Response (or Data) MessageWindow value can be configured on the device 103, such that the device103 delays sending scheduled data using an Offset within the DataMessage Window (shown in FIG. 5). That is, the scheduled transmit timeis adjusted by the Offset, the device 103 delays queuing the scheduleddata until the time is equal to the transmit time plus the Offset. Useof the Data Message Window helps prevent overwhelming the wirelessnetwork when many devices are scheduled to transmit data at the sametime. For example, it is likely that many schedules will be based upontransmitting on the hour, half past the hour, or at fifteen minuteintervals. Using the Offset ensures that the scheduled datatransmissions from all of the devices with similar schedules are notsent at precisely the same time. Given the precision of the telemetrydevice's clock (as it is based upon GPS time), this randomization ofregularly scheduled device transmissions is particularly useful.

As mentioned previously, the telemetry devices 103 can be configured tomonitor a variety of information relating to the vehicle or assetthrough the digital I/O and analog I/O. For instance, alerts can be usedto indicate status change of the digital inputs. Each Digital InputStatus Change Alert can be enabled and disabled through configuration.The alert may be configured to transmit other device status recorded atthe time of the alert such as position, speed, status of other digitalI/O ports, analog input status, peripheral status, or other devicestatus. As regards the digital output, the status of each availabledigital output can be changed or read.

Similarly, the statuses of analog inputs of the devices 103 aremonitored for change. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple thresholdlevels (e.g., high and low) can be set, whereby alerts are generated(e.g., Low Range Entry alert, Low Range Exit, High Range Entry, and HighRange Exit). That is, if the value of the Analog Input falls below theLow Threshold, a Low Range Entry Alert is generated. If the value of theAnalog Input rises above the Low Threshold plus a Hysteresis is value, aLow Range Exit Alert is generated. In similar fashion, if the value ofthe Analog Input rises above the High Threshold, a High Range EntryAlert is output from the device 103. Also, if the value of the AnalogInput falls below the High Threshold minus a Hysteresis value, a HighRange Exit Alert is generated. The alert may be configured to transmitother device status recorded at the time of the alert such as position,speed, status of other digital I/O ports, analog input status,peripheral status, or other device status.

By way of example, the devices 103 can be used to monitor excessivespeed via a High Speed Alert Control, whereby a High Speed Threshold canbe set by a fleet manager. In addition, a duration parameter (i.e., HighSpeed Duration) can be utilized to specify the time at which the HighSpeed Threshold must be exceeded before an alert is generated. Further,a configurable High Speed Hysteresis parameter is set as the deltachange below the High Speed Threshold used to determine when the HighSpeed Threshold has no longer been exceeded. The alert may be configuredto transmit other device status recorded at the time of the alert suchas position, speed, status of other digital I/O ports, analog inputstatus, peripheral status, or other device status.

The system 100 also permits users via the hosts 109 to specify andconfigure areas of interest within the coverage area of the network 101such that alerts can be generated when a device 103 enters or exits theconfigured areas. The alert may be configured to transmit other devicestatus recorded at the time of the alert such as position, speed, statusof other digital I/O ports, analog input status, peripheral status, orother device status.

The data collected and transmitted by the telemetry devices 103 areprocessed by the NOC 101, the components of which are described in FIG.3.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a telemetry device used in the system of FIG.1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The telemetrydevice 103, which can be deployed within a vehicle (as shown in FIG. 1or coupled to any asset), operates within the wireless network 107. Byway of example, the components of the telemetry device 103 are describedin the context of a narrowband network, such as a paging system;however, it is contemplated that the components for communications canbe tailored to the specific wireless network.

In this exemplary embodiment, the telemetry device 103 includes atwo-way wireless modem 201 for receiving and transmitting signals overthe wireless network 107 according to the communication protocolssupported by the wireless network 107, such as the Motorola ReFLEX™protocol for two-way paging. By way of example, a Karli ReFLEX™ moduleby Advantra International can be used for the modem 201. The two-waywireless modem 201 couples to a two-way wireless antenna (not shown)that can be placed local to the device 103 or remote from the device 103(e.g., 12 or more feet) to enhance flexibility in installation.

The telemetry device 103 also contains a GPS module 203 that is capableof operating in the multiple GPS modes: autonomous GPS mode, andmobile-based A-GPS mode. The GPS module 203 can employ, for example, aGPS receiver manufactured by FastraX-iTrax02/4. In autonomous mode, GPSdata may be acquired with no assistance data provided by the wirelessnetwork 107. The GPS module 203 operates in the A-GPS mode when thedevice 103 is in wireless network coverage, in which assistance data issupplied and can include ephemeris data and data to obtain location inobstructed view locations (in building, wooded areas, etc.). Further,the assistance can include differential GPS (DGPS) to enhance locationaccuracy under some conditions. The GPS module 203 couples to a GPSantenna (not shown) that can be placed local to the device 103 or remotefrom the device 103 (e.g., 12 or more feet) to enhance flexibility ininstallation.

Attachment of peripheral modules to the telemetry device 103 aresupported by one or more peripheral ports 205. The ports 205, forexample, can be used to connect to intelligent peripherals that operateaccording to business rules and logic. These business rules and logiccan be housed in a vehicle harness (not shown), which include anOn-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) interface and intelligence. Under thisarrangement, a user (e.g., fleet manager) can query any parameteravailable through the OBDII interface. For example, data obtained foreach tracking record can include any combination of the following items:RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), oil pressure, coolant temperature, etc.Such data recorded by the telemetry device 103 is stored in memory 213.The acquisition period for the data is configurable, as well as thetransmission interval to the NOC 101. Furthermore, the monitoring andsubsequent data exchange can be governed by a configurable schedule,which can specify such parameters as start date, start time, end time,recurrence (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.), and duration.

Data is logged by a data logger 207, made available for use by scheduleddata acquisitions, data acquisitions on demand, and data acquisitionsassociated with alerts. As mentioned, the telemetry device 103 also canbe configured to include digital I/O 209 and analog I/O 211 formonitoring and control of the vehicle or asset. The data logger 207 alsocollects data associated with these I/O ports 209, 211.

The telemetry device 103 also includes a processor 225 that may handlearithmetic computations, and may support operating system andapplication processing. The processor 225, while shown as a singleblock, may be configured as multiple processors, any of which maysupport multipurpose processing, or which may support a single function.

The memory 213 of the telemetry device 103 can be organized to includemultiple queues for prioritizing the messages to be processed by thedevice 103. In an exemplary embodiment, the memory 213 includes a HighPriority queue 215, a Medium Priority queue 217, and Low Priority queue219. The memory 213, while shown as a single block, may be configured asmultiple memory devices, any of which may support static or dynamicstorage, and may include code for operating system functionality,microcode, or application code.

Data recorded by the telemetry device 103 may additionally be stored ina storage medium other than the prioritized queues 215, 217, and 219,such as in a flash memory 223. A log (not shown) of information may bekept so that the information may be transmitted according to a schedule,as discussed above, or, e.g., upon receipt of a request to send all datathat has been collected. Storage devices have only a finite amount ofspace for storage of information, and thus the information for only afinite number of messages may be stored in either the prioritized queues215, 217, 219 or the flash memory 223.

To improve availability of the telemetry device 103, an internal battery221 is optionally included. With the internal battery, the telemetrydevice 103 can continue to monitor and transmit alerts and statusinformation to the NOC 101 even if the electrical system of a vehicle isinoperable. Additionally, the internal battery 221 can be used by thedevice 103 to gracefully report power status wirelessly and shut downgracefully when the energy level of the internal battery is becoming tolow to sustain operation of the device

The functions of the NOC 101, which interacts with the telemetry devices103 to exchange information for supporting fleet and asset management,are detailed with respect to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a Network Operations Center (NOC) in thesystem of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.The NOC 101 utilizes, in this exemplary embodiment, a client-serverarchitecture to support the telemetry devices 103. Specifically, the NOC101 houses a messaging server 301 for sending and receiving messages tothe devices 103 over the air, for storing the messages, and routingthese messages to their destination. The NOC 101 provides connectivityvia a local area network (LAN) (not shown) for the messaging server 103with an A-GPS server 303, a routing server 305, and a gateway 307. Thegateway 307 communicates a with a security server 309 to supportencryption and decryption of the messages. A presentation server 311resides within the NOC 101 to interface with the data network 111 (e.g.,the global Internet), such that the host 109 can access the services ofthe fleet and asset management system. The host 109 under this scenariois loaded with a desktop client 313.

Although a single server is shown for the presentation server 311, inthe alternative, the server 311 can functionally be implemented as threeseparate servers: a database server, a middleware server, and a webserver. The database server is responsible for data storing, dataupdating, and data retrieval as well as providing a set of interfaces toachieve these functions. The web server is responsible for serving maps,presenting user interfaces to manage and control user administration,device configuration, and etc. The middleware server can be deployedbetween the database server and the web server, and has the followingresponsibilities: 1) converting the web server's data retrieval requeststo database server APIs and then sending to database server, 2)receiving the responses from the database server and then sending backto web server, 3) receiving data from gateway 307 and then sendingrequests to the database to store/update data records. Because of themodularity in this design, these three components can reside on the samemachine, as shown in FIG. 3, or reside in multiple platforms.

Messages from the telemetry devices 103 are forwarded by the messagingserver 301 to either the A-GPS server 303 or the routing server 305. Ifthe message is an assist request, this message is sent to the A-GPSserver 303. In response to the GPS assist request, the A-GPS server 303determines GPS assistance data for transmission to the requestingtelemetry device 103. Page: 18

The A-GPS server 303 obtains ephemeris data from the GPS referencenetwork 113, and determines satellite configuration for each of thegeographic zones comprising the wireless network. The A-GPS server 303also determines the assistance data for each geographic zone. The NOC101 then periodically broadcasts the assistance data to each geographiczone. In addition, the A-GPS server 303 supplies GPS assistance data toany telemetry device 103 that requests the GPS assistance data. Whensupporting this request, the NOC 101 determines approximate location ofthe requesting device 103 (based upon base receivers that received therequest, using a type of triangulation. Subsequently, a GPS Assistancemessage is generated by the A-GPS server 303 to send to the telemetrydevice 303 based upon its approximate location. The messaging server 301sends the GPS Assistance message to the particular telemetry device 103.

Thus, the A-GPS server 303 delivers GPS assistance data through twomechanisms by periodically broadcasting GPS assistance data to alldevices 103 in each of the geographic zones covered by the wirelessnetwork 107, or by responding to specific requests by the telemetrydevices 103 for GPS assistance data.

The routing server 305 has responsibility for routing of the messagesfrom the telemetry devices 103, and managing such messages from thedevices 103 to their server destinations. Each device 103 can beconfigured to have messages directed to one or more destination servers.The routing server 305, upon receiving message from a telemetry device103, determines a destination address that has been configured for thedevice 103 and modifies the destination address accordingly. The messageis then forwarded to the configured destination. By default, themessages are directed to the gateway 307.

The gateway 307 interfaces with the presentation server 311 to permitthe desktop client 313 access to the fleet and asset management system.The gateway 307 provides translation of wireline messages and commandsfrom the presentation server 311 to the wireless protocol forcommunication with the telemetry devices 103. For example, the gateway307 supports an extensible Markup Language (XML) interface, such thatXML commands submitted to the gateway 307 over wireline are converted tothe wireless protocol commands and sent over the paging network 107 tothe devices 103. In turn, the wireless protocol messages received fromthe devices 103 are converted to wireline XML messages. The gateway 307provides translation of wireline messages and commands from the host 109to the wireless protocol for communication with the telemetry devices103. In turn, the wireless protocol messages received from the devices103 are converted to wireline XML messages and sent to host 109.

The presentation server 311 provides the following functions: fleet andasset tracking, and general purpose I/O monitoring and control. Theserver 311 also maintains a database (not shown) for user accounts andother related data (e.g., configuration data, user managementinformation, device management, and data acquired from the devices 103).The presentation server 311, as mentioned, also generates the mapscorresponding to where the devices 103 are tracked and the mappingpreferences configured. Using the desktop client 313, a user can evenissue requests to command a particular device 103, such as requestinglocation of the device 103.

With the presentation server 311 as a front end, a user via the desktopclient 313 can configure the telemetry devices 103 via web interfaces.In an exemplary embodiment, the server 311 is a World Wide Web (“web”)application server to support a web browser based front-end for thedesktop clients 109. The web application server (not shown) can bedeployed to support such web interfaces as a set of Java Server Pages(JSP) and Java Applet to interact with the user on the desktop client313. On the backend, based on data collected by JSP and Java Applet, theweb server can generate the proper XML commands that are compliant withApplication Programming Interface (API) of the presentation server 311.Consequently, the collected records can be stored in the database of thepresentation server 311. The database also stores the properties of thetelemetry devices 103, such as the alerts and thresholds earlierdescribed.

The desktop client 313 interfaces to the system 100 through thepresentation server 311. From the desktop client 313, the user logs into the system 100. The presentation server 311 can also performauthentication as well as administration tasks such as adding new usersor devices 103. The user can also configure business rules executed bythe presentation server 311, wherein the business rules logic uses thisuser supplied configuration to configure the devices 103, acquire, andprocess data from the devices 103.

Additionally, the presentation server 311 provides a reportingcapability based on the stored information in the database. Thepresentation server 311 can support standard reports or customizereports to the user via the desktop client 313.

Instead of using a desktop client 313, the user, if associated with alarge organization, can utilize an enterprise server to obtain all ofthe user functionality through the gateway 307 using the API of thefleet and asset management system 100. Accordingly, the enterpriseserver would possess the functional capabilities of the presentationserver 311, but would be managed by the customer (or user) at thecustomer's premise, as shown in FIG. 7.

As noted, the wireless protocol supports communications between the NOC101 and the telemetry devices 103. In an exemplary embodiment, themessaging is performed according the FLEXsuite Uniform Addressing &Routing (UAR) protocol (developed by Motorola). The wireless protocolmessage, which can be encapsulated with an UAR message, is unencrypted.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of the formats of protocol messages used in thesystem of FIG. 1. By way of example, the protocol is the UAR protocol.Accordingly, a UAR message 401 includes the following fields: a StatusInformation Field (SIF) field 401 a, a Destination Address (“ToAddress”) field 401 b, a Content Type field 401 c, and a Data field 401d. Table 1, below, defines these fields 401 a-401 c.

TABLE 1 Field Definition Data Type Size SIF Identifies the applicationprotocol Integer  8 bits used to encode the remaining data in themessage; indicates UAR addressing is used To Destination Address UAR “ToVariable Address Address” Encoding Content Identifies the format of theattached UAR 24 bits Type Data Content Type Data UAR format data payloadUAR data Variable

With respect to the “To Address” field 401 b, this address can befurther specified the following fields: an End-To-End field 401 e, aHost field 401 f, a Port field 401 g, and a Path field 401 h. TheEnd-To-End field 401 e is utilized for device to server routing. It isnoted that no addressing is needed for device to server routing with theexception of an Assisted GPS Request message. Because the routing server305 controls message routing from the telemetry device 103, some of theaddress information requirement is specific to UAR. Path Addressing, perthe Path field 401 h, is used for server to device routing, as in thecase, for example, addressing of a peripheral device attached to thetelemetry device 103. As shown in FIG. 4, for server to devicemessaging, message 403 can be used and includes a SIF field 403 a, a ToAddress field 403 b specifying the path, and a Data field 403 c. Adevice to server message 405 utilizes a SIF field 405 a, a To Addressfield 405 b specifying the End-to-End address, and a Data field 405 c.In the case of a device to server transmission relating to acquisitionof Assisted GPS (e.g., in form of an Assisted GPS request), a message407 is provided, and includes a SIF field 407 a, a To Address fieldspecifying the End-to-End address 407 b and Port 407 c, and a Data field405 c.

As regards UAR messages in general, the Data field 401 d contains binaryformatted data, which is the unencrypted Wireless Protocol (WP) message(as described in FIGS. 5 and 6).

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of the format of a Wireless Protocol (WP) messageused in the system of FIG. 1. A Wireless Protocol message 501 includes aResponse Window (or Data Window) field 501 a to regulate the over-to-airtransmission of the message from the telemetry device 103 to the NOC101, as described previously. In other words, with the telemetry devices103, accommodation is made to support staggering of device responses toprevent overwhelming the reverse path of the wireless network 107(FIG. 1) if a command is sent to a large number of devices in abroadcast message. The Response Window field 501 a is thus used tospecify a desired time frame for obtaining responses from deployeddevices 103. If a Response Window is specified in a message, the device103 delays sending its response using an Offset value within theResponse Window when responding to the message. That is, after firstprocessing the message, the device 103 delays sending the response tothe message until the Offset time has expired. To ensure a gooddistribution of responses during the Response Window, the device 103, inan exemplary embodiment, can randomly select an Offset time within thespecified time window.

The message 501 also provides a Message Data field 501 b for specifyingthe data (such as data within the data log, and alerts). According toone embodiment of the present invention, the NOC 101 can batch the WPmessages 501 to reduce overhead, resulting in a batched message 601. Thebatched message 601 specifies a Message Count field 601 a to indicatethe number of WP messages 501 (0 . . . n, where n is an integer) thatare contained within the batched message 601. The WP Message fields 601b, 601 c pertain to the corresponding messages specified by the MessageCount value in the field 601 a. The messages of FIGS. 5 and 6 support anumber of transactions between the NOC 101 and the telemetry device 103.For example, server transactions involve a request being sent from aserver (e.g., servers 301, 303, and 305) to the device 103 and aresponse sent from the device 103 to the server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the telemetry device of FIG. 2 deployed withinthe vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Inthis exemplary scenario, the telemetry device 103 interfaces with avehicle electrical and electronics system 701 to obtain data relating toa variety of environmental and diagnostic information. For instance, thevehicle electrical and electronics system 701 can include electricalsensors (or switches) 703 deployed through the vehicle. These sensors703 can relay information regarding status of the following: ignition703 a, door lock 703 b, headlight 703 c, seat occupancy 703 d, starter703 e, cargo temperature 703 f. Also, the system 701 can interface tothe vehicle computer 705 through an OBDII (On board Diagnostics)interface peripheral 706. The vehicle computer 705 records informationregarding, for example, speed, average speed, distance traveled, fuellevel, fuel economy, distance to empty fuel tank, RPM, coolanttemperature and level, oil pressure, alternator and brakes, batteryvoltage, windshield washer fluid level, ambient temperature, cargotemperature, and outside temperature. The data relating to the system701 is collected by the telemetry device 103 within its data log andmade available to the NOC 101.

Although the above discussion involves the telemetry device 103collecting data in an automotive context, it is recognized that datarelating to any asset can be gathered. This process of configuring thetelemetry device 103 with respect to the various input/output portstate(s) is explained below in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 a shows a sequence diagram of a process for configuring andcontrolling the telemetry device of the system of FIG. 1. As describedearlier, the fleet and asset management system 100 advantageouslysupports flexibility in configuring the telemetry devices 103. Notably,the configuration changes of the programmable I/O ports 209, 211 of thetelemetry device 103 can be initiated by the NOC 101 or by a user (e.g.,fleet manager) using, for example, a web-based client applicationresident on the host 109. In this exemplary scenario, a fleet manager,using the host 109, provides an input to the web-based clientapplication to issue an I/O configuration command to configure one ormore I/O ports 209, 211 of a particular telemetry device 103, per step801. This command is received by the NOC 101 and processed by thepresentation server 311. The presentation server 311 generates an I/Oconfiguration request message (shown in FIG. 8 b for the digital I/Oscenario) which specifies the parameters that are to be set relating tothe I/O ports 209, 211. The messaging server 301 transmits the I/Oconfiguration request message over the air to the telemetry device 103,as in step 803. In turn, the device 103 sends the NOC 101 anacknowledgement per an I/O configuration response message, whichprovides status information regarding the configuration request (perstep 805).

Independent from the above steps 801-805, the host 109 can also controlthe operation of the telemetry device 103, such that device the state ofa particular I/O port can be changed 209, 211 (e.g., starter isdisabled/enabled, doors are locked/unlocked, control voltage isincreased/decreased, etc.) Accordingly, an I/O control command istransmitted by the host 109 to the NOC 101, per step 807. In step 809,the NOC 101, per the presentation server 311, transmits an I/O controlrequest message (shown in FIG. 8 c for the digital I/O scenario) toinstruct the telemetry device 103 to operate, such as turning On or Off,based on the I/O port 209 or setting a voltage level on the I/O port211. In turn, the telemetry device 103 sends an acknowledgement message(i.e., I/O control response message—which can specify the status of therequest), per step 811.

The messages exchanged between the NOC 101 and the telemetry device 103are exemplary in nature, and are explained below with respect to FIGS. 8b and 8 c in an exemplary scenario involving digital I/O ports 209.

FIGS. 8 b and 8 c are diagrams of the formats of an Input/Output (I/O)configuration message and a I/O control message, respectively, used inthe process of FIG. 8 a. As seen in FIG. 8 b, an I/O configurationrequest message 813 specifies fields 813 a to accommodate the number ofports within the telemetry device 103. That is, the message 813provides, in this example, n number of port setting fields (where n isan integer). These fields 813 constitute the data portion 401 d of theUAR message (FIG. 4). Each of the Port Settings field 813 a includes aPort field 813 to identify the particular port along with the pinsettings of the Port via Pin Settings fields 813 c. In this example, 8Pin settings are utilized. Further, within the Pin Settings field 813 c,a Pin Type field 813 d is included to specify the type of Pin and itsassociated Pin configuration (per field 813 e).

For the I/O control request message 815 (shown in FIG. 8 c), the message815 includes Port Settings fields, as described with respect to the I/Oconfiguration request message 813. However, the Pin Settings of the I/Ocontrol request message 815 differs and includes the following fields:Pin field 815 a, Pin Type field 815 b, a Trigger Date field 815 c, aTrigger Time field 815 d, a Pin Parameters Length field 815 e, and a PinParameters field 815 f. The Pin field 815 a identifies the digital I/OPin, and the Pin Type field 815 b defines the type of I/O Pin. Pin typescan include, for instance, digital low output, digital high output,analog value, positive pulse, negative pulse, pulse width modulation(PWM), sinusoidal waveform, etc. The Trigger Date field 815 c and theTrigger Time field 815 d specify the date and time when the outputaction is to occur. The Pin Parameters Length field 815 e specifies thelength of the Pin Parameter field 815 f in bytes. The parameterinformation in the Pin Parameter field 815 f depends on the type of Pin.

The user can specify the port and Pin parameters using a GUI as shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a telemetry device configuration screen of agraphical user interface (GUI) of a client for communication with thefleet and asset management system of FIG. 1. A configuration screen 901permits the user to conveniently navigate through the functions of thefleet and asset management system 100. In this particular screen 901, aDigital and Analog tab 903, upon selection, displays the names of thedigital I/O Pin's 905 supported by a particular telemetry device 103within a certain vehicle, for example. The user can change the names ofthe Pin's by simply clicking on the corresponding text boxes. Also, uponselection of an I/O Pin, such as I/O Pin 1, the associated parameters907, 909 are displayed to the user. These parameters 907, 909 can bereadily changed by entering new text in the appropriate boxes. As seenin this screen 901, the I/O Pin's can be assigned to any type of sensoror switch.

By way of example, for digital I/O, the names can be assigned to the I/Opins and their corresponding states; e.g., I/O Pin 1 can be namedIgnition Status. A low state for the Pin could be Ignition Off, while ahigh state may be ignition On. Other I/O's may have names associatedwith other states. For example, a door lock pin may be locked using anegative pulse and unlocked using a positive pulse. Hence, the Pin couldbe named “Door Lock” and the state (or action/pin type as described inpreviously); a Negative Pulse could be named “Lock” and a Positive Pulsecould be named “Unlock.”

Further, Analog I/O can similarly be named. In addition to the names ofthe states/action/pin type, the fleet and asset management system 100supports configuration of a function to convert the digital value of ananalog input/output pin (e.g., a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter hasvalues of 0 to 1023) to scaled values that can be equated to moremeaningful values. For example, an analog temperature sensor may be usedsuch that the function converts 0 to 0 degrees Celsius, 511 converts to50 degrees Celsius, and 1023 converts to 100 degrees Celsius.

Further, when data is presented to the user, this configuration is usedto represent status rather than using generic names such as DigitalInput 1, status Low or High. The functionality described above allowsthe system 100 to be utilized in many applications through configurationrather than through rewriting code to fit the specific application. Itis also noted that the naming configuration is not transmitted to thedevice 103, such names or labels are used to associate names toparticular I/O pins and states for presentation to the user.

FIG. 10 illustrates a computer system 1000 upon which an embodimentaccording to the present invention can be implemented. For example, theclient and server processes for supporting fleet and asset managementcan be implemented using the computer system 1000. The computer system1000 includes a bus 1001 or other communication mechanism forcommunicating information and a processor 1003 coupled to the bus 1001for processing information. The computer system 1000 also includes mainmemory 1005, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamicstorage device, coupled to the bus 1001 for storing information andinstructions to be executed by the processor 1003. Main memory 1005 canalso be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediateinformation during execution of instructions by the processor 1003. Thecomputer system 1000 may further include a read only memory (ROM) 1007or other static storage device coupled to the bus 1001 for storingstatic information and instructions for the processor 1003. A storagedevice 1009, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is coupled to thebus 1001 for persistently storing information and instructions.

The computer system 1000 may be coupled via the bus 1001 to a display1011, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display, activematrix display, or plasma display, for displaying information to acomputer user. An input device 1013, such as a keyboard includingalphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus 1001 forcommunicating information and command selections to the processor 1003.Another type of user input device is a cursor control 1015, such as amouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicatingdirection information and command selections to the processor 1003 andfor controlling cursor movement on the display 1011.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the processes of theservers and clients in the system 100 of FIG. 1 are performed by thecomputer system 1000, in response to the processor 1003 executing anarrangement of instructions contained in main memory 1005. Suchinstructions can be read into main memory 1005 from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as the storage device 1009. Execution ofthe arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 1005 causes theprocessor 1003 to perform the process steps described herein. One ormore processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employedto execute the instructions contained in main memory 1005. Inalternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of orin combination with software instructions to implement the embodiment ofthe present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention arenot limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry andsoftware.

The computer system 1000 also includes a communication interface 1017coupled to bus 1001. The communication interface 1017 provides a two-waydata communication coupling to a network link 1019 connected to a localnetwork 1021. For example, the communication interface 1017 may be adigital subscriber line (DSL) card or modem, an integrated servicesdigital network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a telephone modem, or anyother communication interface to provide a data communication connectionto a corresponding type of communication line. As another example,communication interface 1017 may be a local area network (LAN) card(e.g. for Ethernet™ or an Asynchronous Transfer Model (ATM) network) toprovide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wirelesslinks can also be implemented. In any such implementation, communicationinterface 1017 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, oroptical signals that carry digital data streams representing varioustypes of information. Further, the communication interface 1017 caninclude peripheral interface devices, such as a Universal Serial Bus(USB) interface, a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card InternationalAssociation) interface, etc. Although a single communication interface1017 is depicted in FIG. 10, multiple communication interfaces can alsobe employed.

The network link 1019 typically provides data communication through oneor more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link1019 may provide a connection through local network 1021 to a hostcomputer 1023, which has connectivity to a network 1025 (e.g. a widearea network (WAN) or the global packet data communication network nowcommonly referred to as the “Internet”) or to data equipment operated bya service provider. The local network 1021 and the network 1025 both useelectrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals to convey informationand instructions. The signals through the various networks and thesignals on the network link 1019 and through the communication interface1017, which communicate digital data with the computer system 1000, areexemplary forms of carrier waves bearing the information andinstructions.

The computer system 1000 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), the network link 1019, and thecommunication interface 1017. In the Internet example, a server (notshown) might transmit requested code belonging to an application programfor implementing an embodiment of the present invention through thenetwork 1025, the local network 1021 and the communication interface1017. The processor 1003 may execute the transmitted code while beingreceived and/or store the code in the storage device 1009, or othernon-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, the computersystem 1000 may obtain application code in the form of a carrier wave.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to the processor 1005 forexecution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limitedto non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, suchas the storage device 1009. Volatile media include dynamic memory, suchas main memory 1005. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copperwire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus 1001.Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, optical, orelectromagnetic waves, such as those generated during radio frequency(RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms ofcomputer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexibledisk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM,CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, opticalmark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or otheroptically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM,any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other mediumfrom which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in providinginstructions to a processor for execution. For example, the instructionsfor carrying out at least part of the present invention may initially beborne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. In such a scenario, theremote computer loads the instructions into main memory and sends theinstructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem of a localcomputer system receives the data on the telephone line and uses aninfrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal andtransmit the infrared signal to a portable computing device, such as apersonal digital assistant (PDA) or a laptop. An infrared detector onthe portable computing device receives the information and instructionsborne by the infrared signal and places the data on a bus. The busconveys the data to main memory, from which a processor retrieves andexecutes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory canoptionally be stored on storage device either before or after executionby processor.

The following patent applications are incorporated by reference in theirentireties: co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/759,406 filedJan. 16, 2004, entitled “Method and System for Scheduling of DataRetrieval from Mobile Telemetry Devices”; co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/758,770 filed Jan. 16, 2004, entitled “Methodand System for Tracking Mobile Telemetry Devices,” now U.S. Pat. No.7,460,871; co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/758,768 filedJan. 16, 2004, entitled “Method and System for Mobile Telemetry DevicePrioritized Messaging”; co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/758,930 filed Jan. 16, 2004, entitled “Method and System forInterfacing with Mobile Telemetry Devices,” now abandoned; co-pendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/759,404 filed Jan. 16, 2004,entitled “Method and System for Transmitting Assistance Location Datafor Fleet and Asset Management,” now abandoned; co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/758,213 filed Jan. 16, 2004, entitled “Methodand System for Tracked Device Location and Route Adherence viaGeofencing,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,164,986; and co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/758,199 filed Jan. 16, 2004, entitled “Methodand System for Secured Wireless Data Transmission to and from a RemoteDevice,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,577,836.

While the present invention has been described in connection with anumber of embodiments and implementations, the present invention is notso limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalentarrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims.

1. A method for configuring telemetry devices over a wireless network,the method comprising: transmitting a configuration message over thewireless network to one of the telemetry devices for configuring aprogrammable input/output (I/O) port of the one telemetry device,wherein the I/O port couples to an object, and the one telemetry devicesets parameters relating to the I/O port according to the configurationmessage; receiving data corresponding to the I/O port of the onetelemetry device for managing a plurality of objects corresponding tothe telemetry devices, wherein the wireless network is a two-way pagingsystem; receiving a location data request for Assisted-GlobalPositioning System (A-GPS) data over the wireless network from the onetelemetry device; and transmitting the A-GPS data in response to thelocation data request, wherein the one telemetry device determineslocation of the object based upon the A-GPS data.
 2. A method accordingto claim 1, further comprising: transmitting a control message to theone telemetry device, in response to the control message the onetelemetry device controlling one of the object via the I/O port andstatus of the I/O port.
 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein asignal is received over the I/O port controls operation of the onetelemetry device.
 4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the objectis an automobile, and the signal represents an output of a sensor or aswitch of the automobile.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein theone telemetry device autonomously obtains GPS data to determine thelocation of the object.
 6. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving a message from a client to initiate transmissionof the configuration message.
 7. A method according to claim 1, whereinthe wireless network has a protocol that specifies a format for theconfiguration message including, a field for providing port settingsincluding, a port field specifying the I/O port, and a pin setting fieldfor specifying pin settings for the I/O port, wherein the pin settingfield specifies information on type of pin and information onconfiguration of the pin.
 8. A fleet and asset management system forconfiguring telemetry devices over a wireless network, the systemcomprising: a presentation server configured to generate a configurationmessage for transmission over the wireless network to one of thetelemetry devices for configuring a programmable input/output (I/O) portof the one telemetry device, wherein the I/O port couples to an object,and the one telemetry device sets parameters relating to the I/O portaccording to the configuration message; a messaging server configured totransmit the configuration message and to receive data corresponding tothe I/O port of the one telemetry device for managing a plurality ofobjects corresponding to the telemetry devices, wherein the wirelessnetwork is a two-way paging system; and a GPS server configured toreceive a location data request for Assisted-Global Positioning System(A-GPS) data over the wireless network from the one telemetry device,and to transmit the A-GPS data in response to the location data request,wherein the one telemetry device determines location of the object basedupon the A-GPS data.
 9. A system according to claim 8, wherein thepresentation server generates a control message for transmission to theone telemetry device, in response to the control message the onetelemetry device controlling one of the objects via the I/O port andstatus of the I/O.
 10. A system according to claim 9, wherein a signalis received over the I/O port controls operation of the one telemetrydevice.
 11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the object is anautomobile, and the signal represents an output of a sensor or a switchof the automobile.
 12. A system according to claim 8, wherein the onetelemetry device autonomously obtains GPS data to determine the locationof the object.
 13. A system according to claim 8, wherein thepresentation server receives a message from a client to initiatetransmission of the configuration message.
 14. A system according toclaim 8, wherein the wireless network has a protocol that specifies aformat for the configuration message including, a field for providingport settings including, a port field specifying the I/O port, and a pinsetting field for specifying pin settings for the I/O port; wherein thepin setting field specifics information on type of pin and informationon configuration of the pin.
 15. A computer-readable storage mediumcarrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions forconfiguring telemetry devices over a wireless network, the one or moresequences of one or more instructions including instructions which, whenexecuted by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors toperform the steps of: transmitting a configuration message over thewireless network to one of the telemetry devices for configuring aprogrammable input/output (I/O) port of the one telemetry device,wherein the I/O port couples to an object, and the one telemetry devicesets parameters relating to the I/O port according to the configurationmessage; receiving data corresponding to the I/O port of the onetelemetry device for managing a plurality of objects corresponding tothe telemetry devices, wherein the wireless network is a two-way pagingsystem; receiving a location data request for Assisted-GlobalPositioning System (A-GPS) data over the wireless network from the onetelemetry device; and transmitting the A-GPS data in response to thelocation data request, wherein the one telemetry device determineslocation of the object based upon the A-GPS data.
 16. Acomputer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, furtherincluding instructions for causing the one or more processors to performthe step of: transmitting a control message to the one telemetry device,in response to the control message the one telemetry device controllingone of the object via the I/O port and status of the I/O.
 17. Acomputer-readable storage medium according to claim 16, wherein a signalis received over the I/O port controls operation of the one telemetrydevice.
 18. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 17,wherein the object is an automobile, and the signal represents an outputof a sensor or a switch of the automobile.
 19. A computer-readablestorage medium according to claim 15, wherein the one telemetry deviceautonomously obtains GPS data to determine the location of the object.20. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, furtherincluding instructions for causing the one or more processors to performthe step of: receiving a message from a client to initiate transmissionof the configuration message.
 21. A method for configuring telemetrydevices over a wireless network, the method comprising: communicatingwith a fleet and asset management system to obtain information about aplurality of objects; receiving a user input relating to configurationof one of a plurality of telemetry devices corresponding to theplurality of objects; and in response to the user input, transmittingthe user input to the fleet and asset management system, wherein thefleet and asset management system generates a configuration messagebased on the user input for transmission over the wireless network,including a two-way paging system, to the one telemetry device forconfiguring an input/output (I/O) port of the one telemetry deviceaccording to a protocol adapted for the two-way paging system, the I/Oport being coupled to a corresponding one of the objects, and the onetelemetry device setting parameters relating to the I/O port accordingto the configuration message.
 22. A method according to claim 21,further comprising: receiving another user input to instruct the fleetand asset management system to transmit a control message to the onetelemetry device, in response to the control message the one telemetrydevice controlling one of the objects via the I/O port and status of theI/O port.
 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein a signal receivedover the I/O port controls operation of the one telemetry device.
 24. Amethod according to claim 23, wherein the object is an automobile, andthe signal represents an output of a sensor or a switch of theautomobile.
 25. A method according to claim 21, wherein the wirelessnetwork is a two-way paging system and includes a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) reference network for providing Assisted-Global PositioningSystem (A-GPS) data to the telemetry devices for determining locationsof the corresponding objects, the one telemetry device being configuredto determine autonomously location of the corresponding object.
 26. Aclient device for configuring telemetry devices over a wireless network,the client device comprising: means for communicating with a fleet andasset management system to obtain information about a plurality ofobjects; means for receiving a user input relating to configuration ofone of a plurality of telemetry devices corresponding to the pluralityof objects; and means for transmitting the user input to the fleet andasset management system, in response to the user input, wherein thefleet and asset management system generates a configuration messagebased on the user input for transmission over the wireless network,including a two-way paging system, to the one telemetry device forconfiguring an input/output (I/O) port of the one telemetry deviceaccording to a protocol adapted for the two-way paging system, the I/Oport being coupled to a corresponding one of the objects, and the onetelemetry device setting parameters relating to the I/O port accordingto the configuration message.
 27. A client device according to claim 26,wherein another user input is received instructing the fleet and assetmanagement system to transmit a control message to the one telemetrydevice, in response to the control message the one telemetry devicecontrolling the corresponding one of the objects via the I/O port.
 28. Aclient device according to claim 27, wherein a signal received over theI/O port controls operation of the one telemetry device.
 29. A clientdevice according to claim 28, wherein the object is an automobile, andthe signal represents an output of a sensor or a switch of theautomobile.
 30. A client device according to claim 26, wherein thewireless network is a two-way paging system and includes a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) reference network for providing Assisted-GlobalPositioning System (A-GPS) data to the telemetry devices for determininglocations of the corresponding objects, the one telemetry device beingconfigured to determine autonomously location of the correspondingobject.